It's school picture day.
"Your sneakers won't be in your picture, but your smile will." I tried consoling her, but the tears kept flowing. Finally, I said, "You're a beautiful girl."
Her tears increased, and she spouted, "Other girls are prettier than I am."
It seems no matter how often I proclaim her beauty, she either can't believe it or won't believe it. People tell me every day how beautiful she is. Yet she can't seem to see the beauty within herself.
How often do we, as women, doubt our own God-given beauty? How often do we complain about the size of our hips, the lack of a backside, or the muffin top that rolls over the top of our jeans each morning? How often do we wish we had long hair, short hair, curly hair, or straight hair? Do we buy green contacts to cover up everyday blue eyes? Do we smear cover up across our nose and cheeks to hide freckles? Do we wear 5" spike heals wishing we were 5'8" instead of 5'3? Do we slouch in photos, feeling as if we tower over the four people in the photo with us?
Why is it so difficult for women to feel secure in the beauty that God designed them with? We are all unique creatures. No two are alike, not even identical twins. Whether we're looking at our inner beauty or our outer beauty, we should be looking for God's reflection in our reflection. He doesn't make junk. His creation is beautiful, and there is something beautiful in each one of us.
It's time to acknowledge that we are beautiful, each and every one of us. And we are His. Daughters of the King. Loved for who He created us to be, not how we or others see ourselves. Quit comparing yourself to others. Find your image in Him, and you'll see the beauty within yourself.
Before she exited the car this morning, I reminded my daughter of this truth: God made each of us beautiful and in His image. None is more beautiful than the other. We each have unique qualities about us. And they point us to Him.
My 9 year old is really struggling with this too. Some of the kids are really mean about it at school, but honestly she does a lot of it herself. Praying for our girls - and us! - to see God in the beauty and uniqueness each of us has...
ReplyDeleteIf we can teach them self confidence and be happy with exactly who God made them to be, we have performed our own miracle. Obviously we cannot do that, but we can work hard to do what we can, and rely on God for the rest. I try consistently to bring God into everday conversations in our house and help the kids realize that God is part of every one of those conversations. That way, when they are feeling not too sure of themselves, they can feel God's presence is with them and be comforted. It has worked pretty well by starting young and keeping God in the conversations!
ReplyDeleteSo true. Today's girls are bombarded with the issue of beauty from the time they begin school. We must reinforce their God-given beauty every chance we get.
ReplyDeleteOh, I feel her pain and yours.. YES, she's beautiful. And lucky to have a mom who points her to the ONE who dances over her! Raising our little girls to live like daughters of the King is no easy task. Blessings as you keep speaking truth over your sweet girl.
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